Chevy Sonic: Judging for Ward’s 10 Best Interiors of 2012

WardsAuto's Tom Murphy shares his thoughts on the new Chevy Sonic, which WardsAuto is evaluating for the 2012 Ward’s 10 Best Interiors award program. Winners will be celebrated in a ceremony during the WardsAuto Interiors Conference on May 17, 2012 in Dearborn, MI. CLICK HERE for conference details.

Discuss this Video 3

Interesting synopsis of the interior of the new Chevy Sonic. For an entry level car like that, it really doesn't look too bad at all. Headroom is always a plus for those of us that are beyond 6'. Personally, I think it's about time that Chevy go on board with the compact/subcompact following that is pretty large amongst younger consumers (especailly hatchbacks, as many of us prefer them). Here's hoping to read your test drive on it providing it's with the 6-speed manual and the turbocharged I-4.

Yep, Sonic is a fine effort, and well-timed as gas prices are skyrocketing and an increasing number of Americans can afford a new car. And yes, hatchbacks are terribly underrated in the U.S. As for the turbo 1.4L, it's a fine little engine, the same as it is in the Cruze. But our evaluation for now focuses entirely on the interior. For a full review of the vehicle, cut and paste this link to your web browser ... http://wardsauto.com/news-amp-analysis/gm-hopes-chevy-sonic-boom

Got to see one for the first time a few weeks back at the autoshow in Chicago. For as small as it appeared, the hatchback I got into had surprisingly plenty room for someone with a height of 6'4", providing I moved the seat all the way back to make room for the legs. The unique dash cluster was pretty cool with the motorcycle inspired tach in the middle with digital speedometer.

FIAT-CHRYSLER: What's Next?

Sales jumped 30.4% from 2012 to 2014 under Luca Napolitano as the Fiat subsidiary’s Fiat, Fiat Professional, Lancia, Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands registered more than 36,000 units and outperformed the market an average 12%....More

Without solid backing on Wall Street, FCA may have trouble securing favorable credit for the estimated €50 billion needed to reach aggressive volume targets set last May for the Chrysler, Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands....More

The classic image of a V-8 is big and thirsty. Engineers set out to dispel that notion by making the small-block Gen V engines extremely efficient. Along the way, some dynamometers also got toasted....More

WardsAuto Blogs

Singling out shareholders for a big payday is not being fair or responsible. The “old GM” spent billions buying back shares and kept doing so almost until it went bankrupt. Look how well that worked....More

A key issue in the aluminum-vs.-steel standoff is strength. Each side is playing the military and, by extension, the patriotism card. The message is that if it’s strong enough to protect soldiers in combat, then it’s strong enough, and safe enough, for you and everybody in your truck....More

During outgoing Honda President Ito's reign, the automaker made some major missteps, from the underwhelming '12 Civic, to the '10 Insight. He also failed to boost the volume and prestige of the Acura brand....More

Hot Topic

The announcement follows a 6-month government review that considered the best and safest ways to test automated vehicles that allow an individual to take control of the car if necessary. It also looked further ahead to the legal implications....More

Today’s auto-industry executives must connect Silicon Valley and Detroit, as well as address entirely new dimensions of safety concerns, such as how to protect their customers’ privacy and data....More

The supplier envisions connected vehicles carrying on never-ending digital conversations with IBM’s computer servers in Dallas about more than just the weather. Forgive my inability to process the vast implications....More

Fully automated driving can be expected in the decade after 2020. But Bosch already offers driver-assistance functions which represent important first steps, Bosch Americas chief Werner Struth says....More